Michelle Brodbeck Named CPAW NJ Interim President
Michelle Brodbeck has served as a member of CPAW NJ’s board since August, providing guidance on procedure and best practices pertaining to outdoor cats. Reducing cat overpopulation is a passion for Brodbeck, who currently holds the position of Community Cat Coordinator at People for Animals.
Brodbeck is excited to take on the new opportunity. “I’ve always been drawn to working in animal welfare because it combines three things that fuel my drive: helping animals, helping the community and problem solving,” said Brodbeck. “CPAW volunteers are out there helping the community help cats, and even after years of doing this work, that still inspires me. CPAW talks the talk and walks the walk. Hopefully this inspires others to do the same. We need as many people on the ground to solve the problem of animal overpopulation in New Jersey. That’s why it is my goal to collaborate with individuals, other organizations, and even municipalities to make that dream a reality.”
Prior to joining People for Animals, Brodbeck worked in community cat programs for Best Friends Animal Society in Philadelphia and Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly).
Karen Shinevar Resigns
Karen Shinevar bids farewell to CPAW NJ. “As hope rises that the Covid-19 vaccines may bring the nightmare of the last year to an end, CPAW NJ celebrates its fourth anniversary. Creating CPAW NJ and working to improve the lives of outdoor cats was the opportunity of a lifetime. While I must move on, I do so with the deepest appreciation and thanksgiving for the volunteers, caregivers, medical and government officials who supported and continue to support the lifesaving mission of trap, neuter, vaccinate, return (TNVR) in order to save the most feline lives.” Read the rest of Karen’s statement here.
Looking Ahead
Amanda Ondrof of Cedar Grove (pictured left) was elected to the nonprofit’s board as Secretary. “We are so grateful for the doors Karen opened for Essex County community cats,” said Ondrof. “Karen is an incredible person and she brought an incredible team of people together. Her dedication to our mission will never be matched. We will continue to practice TNVR and educate our neighbors about its benefits. Everything we do will be in her honor.”
Amy Rabinowitz of Bloomfield (pictured right) said, “Being a part of the CPAW volunteer group is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. We have proudly grown a solid and dedicated team over the past few years. As we move forward together, we thank every single person who helps to make CPAW such an amazing organization. Only together can we continue to reduce the population of outdoor cats and make their lives healthier and happier.” Rabinowitz will remain on the board as Treasurer and will continue as Volunteer Coordinator.
Previewing our 4th Anniversary Celebration
You’ve heard of our campaign “Spay it Forward.” We’ve been lucky to have so much community support, so in honor of turning 4 this spring, we’re “Spaying it 4ward!”
CPAW NJ will launch a new initiative, called CPAW NJ’s Community Cat Club, which will help local trappers pay for TNR appointments for 40 Essex County feral cats. Trappers will have the opportunity to “Spay it Forward” by helping us with trapping, recovery or transport in order to become eligible for more help with their TNR project. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
We’ll host a free virtual screening party of the film “The Cat Rescuers” on a date to be announced soon. We’ll also debut a monthly giving program called “Friends of Ferals” which will bring donors special perks….or as we’d call them, “purrks!” More information to follow.
Help us Spay it Forward by donating today.
Volunteer Zoom Call Tonight
We are excited to welcome everyone to a special Monday edition of our monthly volunteer meeting. Join us this evening, April 19, at 7 pm via zoom.
Local High School Student Runs a Pet Food Drive for Local Families in Need
Two paws up for Sarah from Glen Ridge, seen here with a small portion of donations she gathered from family and friends. The food will be donated to local food pantries to keep cats and dogs where they belong – in their loving homes! Thank you Sarah, for helping make our jobs easier in the future. When families can afford to feed their pets, they are less likely to abandon them. That means fewer cats to Trap-Neuter-Return! If you would like to support this initiative, please click here.
It’s a Hat Trick… We mean, CAT TRICK!
Montclair volunteer Addie (seen here with her pet cat Vader) effortlessly trapped her first.. then second.. then third cat, in ONE weekend! The force was really strong with this one. These three cats were really tough ones to catch, and eluded even our most experienced trappers. Congratulations, Addie! We are so proud and grateful for all you do for CPAW NJ.
TNR Saves Lives.. In More Ways Than One!
One of the cats Addie trapped was diagnosed with pyometra, an infection of the uterus. Left untreated, pyometra can be fatal. The cure is to remove the uterus and ovaries, just like in a routine spay. Even better than a cure, though, is prevention! Pyometra is rare in cats that have been spayed. We’ll spare you gory images, but you can do a google search if you’d like more details. If you were on the fence about getting your pet or outdoor cat neutered, this is one more good reason to make that appointment today.
Get TNR Certified and Start Helping Cats in your Community
We can’t gather just yet, but you can get TNR certified online thanks to Neighborhood Cats & Community Cats Podcast! This $10 course lays a great foundation for what you need to know. The next class is May 1st from 2-4:30 pm, but the recording will be available for a week afterward! Sign up now.
Found Kittens? Here’s What to Do
Alley Cat Allies writes, “The truth is, in nearly all cases, kittens outdoors don’t need to be ‘rescued.’ In fact, removing kittens from their mothers and bringing the indoors can be detrimental to their wellbeing. If you see kittens alone, their mother is likely close by – and her instincts make her the best possible caregiver.” Read more here and here.
We Purr for Community Cats & their Caregivers
Is there a special community cat or a cat caregiver in your life who deserves some recognition? We’d love to tell their stories. Email amanda@cpawnj.org to learn more.
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